A special administrative region of China, located on the southern coast, known as a major global financial and trading center.
From Cantonese 'hong kong' (fragrant harbor), combining 'hong' (harbor) and 'kong' (fragrant). Named for the scent of incense or sandalwood that once dominated its trade.
Hong Kong exists in a unique legal limbo called 'one country, two systems'—it kept British common law and capitalism after China's handover in 1997, making it one of the world's few cities with literally two legal systems operating simultaneously. This tension is visible in everything from its architecture (Victorian buildings next to futuristic skyscrapers) to its dual identity.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.